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Rogers Communications

Rogers Communications – See how Father-Son Duo helped in commercializing the Radio industry in Canada

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Canada-based Rogers Communications is primarily operating in the field of wireless communications for a long time. The inventor of the AC heater filament cathode, Edward Rogers Sr. built the strong foundation of Rogers Communications, and the legacy is continued by his son Edward Jr. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, the firm us providing miscellaneous service in internet connectivity, cable television, and other telecommunication and mass media-related service.

In Canada, Rogers’s communications is a tough rival of Bell Canada, Telus, and Shaw Communications. As well, it is one of the communications providers in a region which dominates the market. Presently, it has many subsidiaries like Rogers Bank, Rogers Cable, Chatr, and Fido Solution. Rogers Telecom, Rogers Sports & Media, and Rogers Wireless are also some of the subsidiaries of the firm.

Rogers Communications Backstory

The roots of the foundation of Rogers’s communications were found in the establishment of the CFTO television station. Prior to that, Edward Rogers Sr. had enabled radios that can be powered by electric current. It was the result of his invention, the AC heater filament cathode for radio tube changed the whole scenario. This invention brought revolution and did a crucial role in commercializing radio reception. After establishing the CFRB radio station, he also focused on Television. But unfortunately, he died in the middle of his radar experiment.  Thereafter, his son Edward Jr. also known as Ted decided to follow in his father’s footsteps.

In the year 1960, Edward Jr. and his friend Joel Aldred acquired an FM radio station CHFI. Plus, this duo later established CFTO-TV as the foremost television station own by a private company. Back in 1967, they started Rogers Cable which was later renamed Rogers Communications in 1986. Just within 20 years, the firm has achieved popularity in the market. It also purchased the Canada based cable system in 1979. Thereafter, the firm has marked its name in the list of Toronto Stock Exchange.

The masterminds behind Rogers Communications success

Rogers Communications
Image Source: rogers.com

Edward Rogers Junior

Ted Rogers also famous as Edward Rogers Jr. has continued the legacy of his father and flourish the business built on his father’s dream. Apart from being a well-known businessman, he is a philanthropist and was among the richest persons in Canada. Born to a scientist and businessman, Ted also put his best efforts to follow the path of his father. Coming to his education, he attended Upper Canada College, Trinity College, and Osgoode Hall Law school. While studying, Ted purchased the shares in the home-grown radio station CHFI. After several hard works, he could collect the money to fulfill the dream venture of Mr. Edward Sr.    

Besides serving as a long time CEO and president at Rogers Communications, he was also appointed at several reputed positions. Such as the Grade of Officer of the order of Canada. He had been honored with the Golden Plate Award in 1990. It is one of the highest awards given by the American Academy of Achievement. As well, both father and son were inducted into the Telecommunication Hall of Fame of Canada.

Present CEO- Joe Natale

He is serving as the president and CEO at Rogers Communications. Joe Natale is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Rogers Communications. Prior to that, he served as Telus corporation’s CEO and President. He has put his efforts into building the globally recognized firm that Telus is today. After working at several leading firms in the wireless telecommunication industry, he is now driving the business of Rogers Communications. However, Joe entered the telecommunication industry in 1987, as an employee of Accenture. At that time, Rogers Communications was a dream company of many, which he became an important part of after working at several firms.

Studied at the University of Waterloo, Joe has a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science. Apart from that, he along with his wife involved in many social works.  He is one of the board trustees at Toronto’s Hospital for sick children. As well, the couple supports many arts and healthcare initiatives. Joe was also honored with the Top 40 under 40 Award, Canada.

Bottom Line

Today, Rogers Communications is one of the dominant wireless communication service providers in Canada. With the long list of old clients in telephony services, high-speed internet services, and other IT services, the firm has also followed the trends to acquire new customers. The firm has been not only dominating the Canadian wireless industry but also is one of the tough competitors in the international market.

NCR

NCR – Output of John Patterson’s vision to start Modern American Company aka America’s Model Factory

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USA based software firm NCR (National Cash Register) is known for its wide range of services. Apart from providing complete software solutions, it also develops several other products. The firm is also known as America’s Model Factory, and the founder John Patterson is recognized as the father of industrial welfare. Why so? Because the firm has been performing extensive welfare work for a long time. In fact, it is a pioneer firm in America that start the welfare department for doing this work actively. 

Started in 1884, the firm has seen reconstructions of its business several times. In 1991, AT&T acquired NCR, which again re-established in 1997. Because the reconstruction of AT&T had made in the previous year. Since then it became a separate firm as one of the modern American firms.

NCR Backstory of Foundation

The invention of the mechanical cash register in 1879 led to the formation of the National Manufacturing Company, Dayton. It was purely to manufacture and handle the marketing of that register. While in 1884, the Patterson brothers purchased the patents of the mechanical cash register along with the company. In the same year, they re-established it as National Cash Register. Patterson brothers transformed these firms into a modern corporation, considered as one of the foremost modern American companies. T. J. Watson, Sr., Charles Kettering, and E. Deeds also played important role in the early days of NCR. 

NCR
Image Source: wikimedia.org

As mention earlier, the firm has witnessed lots of variations in its structure. One of such re-construction made in 1974, also the firm renamed as NCR corporation at that time. Recently, in 2018, the firm has shifted the headquarter at Midtown Atlanta from Duluth, Georgia. 

John Patterson and Early Busines of NCR

At the time when the Patterson brothers bought the firm, the manufacturing cost of cash registers was high and it was not so popular. Thus, the final price of registers was high, as well, very few cashier machines were in use. Patterson’s idea to increase the demand, and ultimately reducing the cost played well. He introduced the first-ever sales squad known as “American Selling Force”. Those sales persons were trained to demonstrate to the people how to use the machine, its advantages, and all other queries related to that. For this, he also created a formal sales training academy. John is also a pioneer to start direct mail advertising, he advertised the products by sending details of products in the mail. In fact, he started the first advertising campaign in the world known as the “Get A Receipt campaign”.  

Being a born businessman and a salesperson, he is also a pioneer to start the first-ever daylight factory. As well, he is credited to formed NCR as one of the first modern American companies. Patterson made this possible by introducing novel, aggressive business tactics, and sales methods. Also, he is the one to introduce an inclusive social welfare program for his factory laborers. In his last years, he hands over the business to his son who made it public in 1925. 

Expansion of the business

Patterson put his immense efforts to expand the business of NCR, and it has soon shown a result. Just after 4 years, the firm became multi-national. As well, it further explored the business with the acquisition of many small cash register firms. With excellent marketing technic, NCR managed to sell one million machines by 1911. The firm has initially dominated 95% of the American Market. 

Later on, NCR shifted the focus to scanners and computers. As of the legacy to develop efficient products, it also created the best scanners of the time. In fact, its scanners set the record to scan the items with Universal Product Code/UPC at the supermarket checkout. 

Extensive Welfare work for Workers

The firm not only focused on the satisfaction of customers but also performed excellent work for its workers. For this, it is referred to as America’s Model Factory. As a part of welfare initiatives, it introduced back support for workers who operate machines, as well, the ventilation systems for clean air. NCR also introduced a special provision for women workers. It also transformed the working space into the first daylight factory, thus providing fresh air and daylight. 

Later Business under Mike Hayford’s policies

After 1925, the firm sold 55 million dollars of shares as a public offering. It was the major offering for the public of that period. As a part of its further expansion, the firm extended its self-service portfolio into the digital broadcasting market too. 

In 2018, after Mike Hayford became a CEO, the firm completely changed its business strategy. Rather than focusing on hardware only, NCR now became a software-service-led technology provider. As per the announcement made in 2019, NCR will be taking the initiative to build a campus in Belgrade, Serbia. 

Fiserv

Fiserv – The Dream of Dalton and Muma to build a national data processing firm in America.

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The whole world has been changing so fast that it demands newer technology in every part of life. No matter then it is healthcare service, or entertainment and traveling, or financial services. In this all, innovative technology raised the expectations of people, asking for the cut edge technology in every sector. When it comes to money transfer and data processing related services, Fiserv is one of the leading firms in the financial industry. It made it easy to transfer money as well as information to one another. With Fiserv’s platform, one can transfer money when and where as needed, at the point of thought. Thus, meeting all the expectations of the present high-tech world.

The best-known financial solutions it has enabled, assisting many individuals and businesses currently. Being a global leader, the firm is connecting consumers, merchants, businesses, and financial institutions with each other. This process has been done every minute of every day; we can say millions of times a day. Established in 1984 by George Dalton and Leslie Muma, having clients in more than a hundred regions all across the world. That strong foundation has led to the dominant financial service provider Fiserv is today. Despite having tough rivals, the firm has also offer tough competition through its innovative financial services and experience of more than 30 years in the field. Alltel Information Services, Affiliated Computer Services, M & I Data Services, and BISYS Group are some of the competitors of Fiserv. 

Fiserv Journey

Fiserv’s both Founders, and friend Muma and Dalton were in the business of data processing. But both were working separately. However, the idea of merging the businesses pop into their mind in the late 1970s. This idea turned into reality in 1984, the merger of the first data processing of Milwaukee, and Tampa’s Sunshine State System goes well. That, later on, resulted in the formation of Fiserv, which became the USA’s fastest-growing financial data processing firm in the near year.

Fiserv
Image Source: fiserv.com

Founders George Dalton and Leslie Muma’s role

The founders and presidents at Fiserv, Muma, and Dalton wanted to build a national data processing firm. Which later on they built in the form of Fiserv. It was the time when businesses’ mindset was to develop their own data processing system for limited deals. In this all, they had to pay big money and still no reliability in service. While Fiserv successfully changed this scenario under the guidance of Dalton and Leslie. Thus, the constantly escalating cost and insecurity had reduced, relieving the clients.  All the credit goes to George and Muma, who set the strong foundation of the firm.

George Dalton

Being well-experienced and well-reputed in the data processing industry, George served as the first CEO at Fiserv. He was one of them, who believes in hard work. Throughout his tenure, he built the policies based on thorough planning, implemented through hard work. Started the journey as a stock boy at some grocery store, Dalton, later on, learned German and served in World War II. While he shifted his focus on data processing during his high school days.

Thereafter, he joined Northwestern University, which he left to start working at the data processing unit of Bell & Howell Co. Despite a lack of banking knowledge, he handled the position of the data processing unit of Marine Bank. It was all due to his passion for and interest in data processing. Apart from that, he also served at Midland National Bank and First Bank System. With the helped of Muma, he then started his own dream business venture, Fiserv.

Leslie Muma

When he befriended Dalton in setting up Fiserv, Leslie was in his mid-30s, but having excellent knowledge of data processing system. His educational background helped him to work as a data processing consultant. A person who has studied theoretical mathematics, having a master’s in business administration, and top of that extremely knowledgeable in data processing, offered much more effort to raise the business of Fiserv. He became CEO of Fiserv after Dalton retired in 1999.

Boomed in the Financial industry

The top-notch service and acquisition strategy of the firm paid off soon. The business of the firm raised to 700 million dollars, reaching 800 financial institutions, and about 19 million individual clients. It also reduced the cost of financial service offering reliable and secure service to the customers. In fact, in the early 1990s, the firm has acquired a larger client base. One of the known acquisitions of Fiserv is the data processing division of Citicorp for 49 million dollars.

Thereafter, the firm managed to continued steady growth by providing innovative solutions to the clients. As well, the firm soon focused on abroad expansion of the business. Presently, it is one of the three largest data processing firms in America. Most importantly, it is the largest independent processor of checks in the country.

T-Mobile

From the consumer’s favorite, how T-Mobile US became the third-largest wireless carrier in America?

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USA based wireless network operator T-Mobile US has started in 1994. While it is still a dominating wireless service provider in America. It is providing data services and wireless voice services all across the country. Headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, the firm is known as the third-largest wireless carrier in America. The firm has also crossed over 100 million customers in 2020. Magenta & Magenta Plus, and T-Mobile Essentials are some of the well-known plans of the company.

The backstory of T-Mobile Foundation

The roots of T-Mobile US have traces in the establishment of VoiceStream Wireless PCS. Back in 1994, the firm had started as one of the subsidiaries of Western Wireless Corporation. While after five years, the firm got separated from the parent firm. In 1999, Deutsche Telekom AG purchased VoiceStream Wireless and renamed T-Mobile USA in 2002. However, in 2013, it got merged with MetroPCS and was again renamed T-Mobile U.S.

About T-Mobile US

T-Mobile
Image Source: t-mobile.com

American wireless carrier T-Mobile US is the third-largest firm in the country in that sector. The first owner of the firm Deutsche Telekom holds 43% shares of T-Mobile US. While SoftBank Group owns 24% shares, and the remaining 33% shares come under public holding. T-Mobile US is primarily providing wireless data and voice services in America. As per the consumer report 2015, the firm ranked first among other American Wireless carriers.  Recently, Sprint Corporation and T-Mobile US have merged, making Sprint a subsidiary of T-Mobile. 

Further exploration of business

Within five to six years of establishment, the firm focused on the acquisition of regional network operators. So that the network of T-Mobile US can map most of the regions in the country. Aerial Communications Inc. and Omnipoint corporation are examples of such acquisitions, made in the year 2000. Thereafter, the firm bought licenses to operate a cellular communications network, providing coverage in many parts of America. In 2017, the company purchased a 600 MHz nationwide license. Recently, this network reaches 8,900 towns and cities, covering over 248 million users. It also provides an LTE network that supports VoLTE, like JIO’s LTE, which operates in India. However, the firm had launched its first-ever 3G phone in the market in 2007.

Products and Plans for users

Magenta & Magenta Plus, T-Mobile ONE, T-Mobile Essentials are some of the well-known products of the company. In fact, Magenta plans are the next level of T-Mobile One Family of plans. It is actually based on the existing features of the previous one, but with add-ons. Like HD streaming, 20GB HotSpot Data, etc. As well, the firm offers specialized plans for seniors, Military Personnel, and most importantly, the first responders. For them, the firm provides offers like 50% off the pricing of Magenta and Magenta plus plans.

T-Mobile Essentials, another plan of the firm offers other wonderful services to the users. It comes with unlimited Talktime, SMS plan, and data service. The cost of the plan is in fact lower and affordable to all.

Awards and Achievements

The firm has received numerous workplace awards and appraisals for delivering the best in the wireless industry. Disability Equality Index which shows the disability inclusion allotted 100 points to the firm. As well, the Human Rights Campaign honored it as the best place to work for LGBT Equality for back to back four years. Military Friendly also marked its name in the list of top 100 Military Friendly Employer. Most importantly, the company is among the firms recognized as Most Ethical Companies in the world. Apart from many such renowned awards, the firm has been awarded on a local basis as well.

Policy Maker and President at T-Mobile US- Michael Sievert

He is CEO, president, and one of the board of directors. Earlier, he worked at IBM, Clearwire. While Michael started his career at Procter & Gamble. As well, he served as an executive vice president at E-trade. In his past career, apart from being a CEO of Discovery Bay Games, Sievert also worked at AT&T wireless. Additionally, he played an important role at Global Windows Group of Microsoft. There he was a part of the team that worked to launch Windows Vista. Apart from serving as an employee, he also helped in founding Switchbox Labs. Later on, this business was acquired by Lenovo.

Coming to the journey of Michele at T-Mobile US, he joined the firm as CMO. After that, he became COO and reached the post of CEO in the year 2020. Sievert’s contribution to rebranding and marketing the business of T-Mobile US is remarkable.

FIS

FIS – Journey to become the world’s largest payment processing firm under policies of Gary A. Norcross

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To beat a fast-evolving competitive scenario, and to run and grow several other businesses, FIS is playing a crucial role. Fidelity National Information Services i.e., FIS is a well-known firm globally. It is the ultimate companion for many merchants, capital markets, the banking sector, and many other businesses. The firm is recognizing for providing high tech solutions for businesses, including banking as well as capital markets. With dedication and expertise way, FIS has been helping to solve critical challenges that arise in business. Thus, assisting to grow the businesses faultlessly.

For the excellency and innovative approach, FIS is included in the list of Fortune 500 companies. Presently, Gary A. Norcross is serving as chairman, CEO, and president at FIS. Under his policies, the firm is focusing on driving 12-billion-dollar business on an international level. As well, the firm has become dominant in providing banking and financial software solutions. Additionally, it holds a high position in payment processing solutions as well.

FIS CEO and President – Gary A. Norcross

FIS CEO
Image Source: strategy-business.com

A president, CEO, and chairman, Gary is also a well-experienced businessman. He is recognized in the industry who helped to succussed many businesses. Before joining FIS, Gary worked at many other financial institutions. His journey in FIS has started in 1988 as an entry-level programmer. To reach the position he has today, Gary devotes his time and best efforts to the firm. Serving in many leading positions, he became president and CEO at FIS in 2018.

Role in FIS growth

Highly experienced in the financial market, Gary used a client-focused approach to grow the business of FIS. To provide the best and latest to the clients, FIS made several acquisitions under Norcross’s guidance. In 2019, the firm acquired Worldpay and became the largest payment service provider in the world. As well, the firm acquired SunGard and launched Derivatives utility for the first time. These all acquisitions are made under his policies. Apart from that, he helped to enlarge the area of business and the firm has grown to more than 55k employees all over the world.

Other Leaderships hold by Gary Norcross

Despite being a top industrial leader, Gary also holds several leading positions at many organizations. He is included in the advisory board of the dean at Sam M. Walton Schools of business, University of Arkansas. As a matter of fact, he studied business administration at the same university.  As well, Norcross is one of the board members at Guardian Life Insurance Company, America. Moreover, he is a board member of several other Schools like KIPP Impact School, Jacksonville.

About FIS

FIS

It is an American firm, offering multiple services and solutions for banking and capital markets. As well, it’s a wide range of financial products that are well-known on the international level. Started as a small financial solution provider, FIS has crossed the number of 55k employs recently. With highly expert peoples and deep research, FIS acquired a number of clients in a very short span. Currently headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, the firm has its presence all over the world. Recently in 2019, the firm has set the record to make the largest deal in the industry. It acquired Worldpay for 35 billion dollars. Thus, making it the largest payment processing firm on the earth.

Other renowned acquisitions of FIS

Looking to the history of FIS, the firm has made dozens of acquisitions. The acquisition of Worldpay in 2019 is one of the remarkable acquisitions of FIS. In 2015, FIS has acquired SunGard and introduced Derivatives utility all over the world. This acquisition helped FIS to transform conventional BSPT processing world-wide. As well, it helped numerous merchants to focus on every client, and to reduce operational risk. Prior to that, the firm has acquired CMSI, Reliance Trust Company, and Clear2Pay in 2014.

Moreover, it has made several other acquisitions to enhance its network and improve the service. Alltel Information Services, Sanchez Computer Associates, BankWare, InterCept, and Aurum Technology are some of the acquisitions made by FIS.

Achievements and Recognitions

The firm has put immense effort to develop financial technology. Using an innovative approach, the firm is expertise in three primary sectors. One is Merchant solutions, the second is Capital market solutions, and last but most important is Banking solutions. FIS has many satisfied clients in all the sectors it is providing the service. Considering the annual business, FIS is processing 75 billion transactions approximately, having more than 20k clients all over the world.

Awards and Rankings

FIS has been honor with many reputed awards. In 2020, it was the winner of the Privateequitywire US Award 2020. As well, it received many awards this year, including the Fintech Breakthrough award 2020 for the best business lending platform. Plus, it was honored with the AltCredit fund intelligence US award 2020. FIS is also known as Best Place to work in 2020, provides equal opportunities for the LGBT community. Last year, it was named as Fortune world’s most admired company, 2019. Apart from that, the firm has named multiple awards and ranked top in many lists issued by top organizations.

comcast

How Brain Roberts Turned His Family Business Comcast into a Stellar Company

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Brian Roberts always wanted to work for his father’s company and started doing so at the young age of thirteen. Since then, he grew up to become one of the world’s foremost businessmen with a knack for aggressive policies. He quickly turned Comcast into a national brand by investing smart and acquiring competitors aggressively. The fourth of five kids, Robert revolutionized the cable industry and made it as big as it is today. Read on to learn more about how Roberts turned his family business into a company of international repute.

Birth of a Family Business Comcast

The Roberts family underwent a significant transformation during the Depression. While Brian’s father, Ralph Roberts, who founded Comcast was born into great wealth, he saw it quickly turns to dust. The Depression caused trouble for people who had never faced financial troubles before in their lives. Such experiences led to Ralph acquiring an entrepreneurial flare which later grew into a passion. He started with a company that sold men’s accessories, such as belts and suspenders. Roberts soon switched lanes from fashion to cable, buying American Cable Systems with two colleagues. He then renamed the enterprise Comcast in 1969 giving birth to a legendary family business. Though the company had humble origins, it soon became a national presence as the industry grew in scale. The company went public in 1972 and grew over eight times between 1987 and 1992.

About Comcast

When Roberts was at Wharton, few people guessed that he would grow to become one of the nation’s major industrial players. While the cable business wasn’t this large when he started, Roberts turned Comcast into a national company. Over the years, his family business has grown into America’s largest cable-TV operator. The company has over 24 million cable customers, 2.5 million customers for their voice services, and another 11 million who use their internet services. Some of the content networks Comcast owns include AZN TV, PBS Kids, E! Entertainment, Style Network, and TV One. Furthermore, the company owns four SportsNet channels and owns the Philadelphia Flyers and the Philadelphia 76ers. In addition to this NHL and NBA team, Roberts also owns two massive Philadelphia arenas.

comcast
Image Source: nexttv.com

Early Life and Beginnings

Brian L. Roberts was born on June 28th, 1959 to Ralph J. Roberts, who founded the Comcast Corporation. Born to Jewish parents in Philadelphia, Roberts had a privileged childhood wherein he showed an aptitude for business. Even as a child, Brian was involved in the business, helping his parents assemble coupon books that were mailed to customers. When he became a teenager, he started developing a love for facts, figures, and finance. This led him to a finance degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. Classmates have later spoken about how the young Brian would read the Wall Street Journal between classes. Additionally, Roberts also had a personal financial advisor and even accompanied his father to meetings.

He studied at Germantown Academy and passed out from Wharton School in 1981. Right after his graduation, he started working full-time at Comcast under his father’s guidance. To highlight that he would receive no special treatment, Robert’s father started him out selling cable from door-to-door. He then had to work his way up the ladder through sheer merit and determination, which he did fairly quickly. Soon enough when Comcast joined the Turner System board during an industry-bailout, Ralph sent Brian as the company representative. Not long after this, Comcast bought half of Storer Communications, becoming America’s fifth-largest cable company. Along the way, Brian’s clout grew as well, finally culminating in his Presidency appointment.

Roberts owns 33.3% of the company and acts as the Chairman and CEO. In 1990, when he became the President at the young age of 31, the company was making $657 million annually. Since taking over, Roberts has grown Comcast exponentially, with the company now raking in $94.5 billion as annual revenue. 

Journey in Comcast

Roberts took over as Comcast’s president way back in 1990, becoming CEO twelve years later in 2002. Two years after that, he became the chairman in 2004, all the while growing the company exponentially. Out of all these, one of the most memorable is Comcast’s historic acquisition of AT&T Broadband. This one acquisition helped triple Comcast’s subscriber count in the US. Additionally, his belief in the potential of broadband as the future of the cable industry led to Comcast’s rapid growth. In recent years, Robert has also pursued high-speed data and video services to diversify the company profile. Institutional Investor named him one of America’s top CEOs four years in a row for his aggressive policies and sharp business acumen.

Leadership Decisions

Roberts made a leadership move by acquiring AT&T Broadband for a whopping $53.2 billion in 2000. This one deal grew the company significantly, making Comcast the world’s largest cable operator with over 21.3 million subscribers. Later on, in 2009, Comcast acquired NBCUniversal in another power move. When it comes to Robert’s personal wealth, it was regarded to be around $1.7 billion as of 2020. He has been quoted to be the one who oversaw Comcast’s growth from a simple cable company to America’s largest telecom operator. His vision for the future and belief in the need for quality content led him to purchase stakes in various channels, such as QVC, and E! Entertainment Television. He also saw broadband as the future for cable, aggressively going after various such operations.